SOARING ON IN THE ORACLE CHALLENGER III
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
TEAM ORACLE 2018 MEDIA KIT SOARING ON IN THE ORACLE CHALLENGER III For media flights, interviews, photos & video: Suzanne Herrick, Fedoruk & Associates, Inc., 612-247-3079 suzanne@fedorukinc.com photo by Mike Killian Follow Sean D. Tucker at: facebook.com/SeanDTucker instagram.com/TeamOracle twitter.com/SeanDTucker & twitter.com/TeamOracle The Team Oracle Airplane Channel on YouTube
FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS
AND HOLD ON TIGHT. IT’S TIME
FOR SOME HEART-CHARGING,
HIGH-PERFORMANCE POWER
AEROBATICS FROM THE LEGEND
HIMSELF, MR. SEAN D. TUCKER.
THE 2018 TEAM ORACLE AIR SHOW
SEASON IS UNDERWAY, FILLED
WITH AWE-INSPIRING MOMENTS,
THRILLS AND ADRENALINE.
This season marks Tucker’s last as a solo performer with
exciting plans in store for a performance team. If you
haven’t had the opportunity to interview Tucker or better
yet, experience flight with Team Oracle, this is the year.
Contact Suzanne Herrick at 612-247-3079 or
suzanne@fedorukinc.com for times and options.
photo by
Peter Tsai
SOARING WITH THE DREAM MACHINE
• More than half of Tucker’s power aerobatic maneuvers are unique making
Tucker’s performance an unforgettable, awe-inspiring experience.
• During the 13-minute Sky Dance performance, Tucker will pull more than
nine positive g-forces and more than seven negative g-forces.
• The Sky Dance begins with a breathtaking three-quarter loop with eight to
10 snap rolls in which Tucker reaches speeds up to 280 miles per hour at
more than 400 degrees per second and six positive g-forces.
• Tucker is the world’s only pilot to perform the Triple Ribbon Cut in which he
flies just 20 feet above the ground, cutting ribbons on poles placed a mere
750 feet apart.
AIR SHOWS AND TRAINING
• He has flown more than 1,300 performances at upwards of 540 air shows in
front of over 145 million fans. He has been thrilling air show fans since 1976.
• Tucker practices his air show routine as many as three times every day during
the air show season.
• To endure the extreme physical demands of the performance and remain
g-tolerant, Tucker maintains a rigorous physical training schedule, working
out more than 340 days per year.
photo by
Christopher Mezzavilla
• Tucker has summited four of the legendary Seven Summits: Mt. Kilimanjaro in
Africa twice (2012 and 2013); Mt. Aconcagua in Argentina in 2014; Mt. Elbrus
in Russia in 2014; and, Puncak Jaya (Carstensz Pyramid) in Indonesia in 2016.
FAST FACTS
photo by
Peter Tsai
BIO
SEAN D. TUCKER IS MORE LEGENDARY AVIATOR, INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
“I’ve been given a lot of gifts in my life – being able to live a dream and be successful at it,” says Tucker. “It’s my
THAN A REMARKABLE time to pay back and I really enjoy paying it back.”
Tucker has been called the “Ambassador of Aerobatics” by the National Aviation Hall of Fame in which he was
AVIATOR AND INDUSTRY enshrined in 2008. In 2003 Tucker was selected as one of 25 Living Legends of Flight by the Smithsonian National
Air and Space Museum.
LEADING AEROBATIC PILOT. Among many industry honors, he is a recipient of both the Crystal Eagle Award and the General Charles E. Yeager
International Aeronautical Achievement Award. In 2017, Tucker was awarded the R.A. “Bob” Hoover Trophy for
exhibiting the kind of airmanship, leadership and passion for aviation exhibited by Bob Hoover during his long and
He’s celebrated by his peers, adored by his fans distinguished aviation career. It was Hoover himself who nominated Tucker before Hoover’s passing in 2016.
and recognized as a legend. He is advancing flight
Tucker is the co-founder and president of the California-based non-profit, the Bob Hoover Academy. The Academy
safety, inspiring countless pilots and making millions facilitates transformative life experiences in education and aviation. It creates opportunities for at-risk and
stand in astonishment with his awe-inspiring, one- underserved teens to get engaged in STEM education. The program uses aviation as a metaphor for the deeper
of-a-kind power aerobatic performances. mission: to capture students’ minds, to focus their energies and to cultivate success in the classroom and in life.
In 2013, the Experimental Aircraft Association named Tucker as the chairman of EAA Young Eagles, aviation’s
flagship program to introduce children to flight. Tucker has assumed the responsibility with great fervor, engaging
kids in aviation and recognizing the more than 50,000 volunteer pilots who have flown millions of Young Eagles
since the program began.
In 1997 Tucker established the Tutima Academy of Aviation Safety with the goal of setting the highest standard
for aviation safety training. Through the use of cutting-edge courses utilizing aerobatics and ground-breaking
academics, his academy’s world-class instructors help pilots of all experience levels increase their confidence,
improve their skills and exceed their goals. Whether it be a brand new pilot or an entire corporate flight
department, the academy is dedicated to increasing safety and awareness while providing the most professional
and fun training available.
ENGAGING INTERVIEWS, ACCOLADES
DYNAMIC MEDIA AND HONORS
PRESENCE
Tucker’s enthusiasm for aviation is Honorary Thunderbird,
apparent during media interviews. Blue Angel, Canadian
Snowbird, Brazilian Smoke
He is an articulate, authentic
Squadron and Golden Knight
and high-energy resource for
print, broadcast and online 2017: R. A. “Bob”
Hoover Trophy
interviews. He has been tapped
for his expertise by CNN, The 2017: The Ninety-Nines
Weather Channel, The Discovery Award of Merit
Channel, The Oprah Winfrey Show, 2017: The Aerospace
photo by
Christopher Mezzavilla
countless local news programs, Museum of California Bob
dozens of aviation magazines and Hoover Dreams Take Flight Award
newspapers. 2017: Planes of Fame Museum Achievement in Aviation Award
2016: Lloyd P. Nolen Lifetime Achievement in Aviation Award
ADVENTURER, 2015: International Aerobatics Hall of Fame
MENTOR AND PATRIOT 2014: Wings Over the Rockies, Spreading Wings Award
Whether climbing one of the 2013: President and Founder of the Bob Hoover Academy (formerly Every Kid Can Fly)
Seven Summits, heli-skiing, cave 2013: Named International Chairman of EAA Young Eagles
SCUBA diving or flying his one-of- 2011: Living Legends of Aviation, Aviation Inspiration & Patriotism Award
a-kind dream machine, Tucker’s 2010: General Charles E. Yeager International Aeronautical Achievements Award
list of accomplishments would
fill pages. To start, Tucker has 2010: EAA’s Freedom of Flight Award
summited four of the legendary 2009: International Aviation Air and Space Hall of Fame Inductee
Seven Summits. When not flying, climbing, diving or skiing Tucker is actively 2008: National Aviation Hall of Fame Inductee
involved in his hometown and aviation communities. 2007: Living Legend in Aviation Award
He is extremely passionate about every aspect of the Team Oracle program. 2007: International Council of Airshows Hall of Fame Inductee
His self-proclaimed goal is to “share the magic of flight with air show and
2006: National Aeronautics Association Crystal Eagle Award
Team Oracle’s guests by inspiring and thrilling them. I want them to go away
saying that the airshow was one of the most engaging days of their lives.” His 2003: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, 25 Living Legends of Flight
enthusiasm is contagious. It’s evident in the way he undertakes any challenge – 2001: USAF Gathering of Eagles Inductee
with gusto and fervor. 2000: World Airshow Federation Champion
Tucker is a patriotic American who often expresses his gratitude for the men 2000: International Council of Airshows Sword of Excellence
and women who serve this country. His signature closing statement during air 1998–2001: Undefeated Champion of the Championship
shows and conversations is “God Bless America.” Airshow Pilots Association Challenge
Tucker resides in Salinas, Calif., with his wife Colleen. His son Eric Tucker and 1992: The Art Scholl Memorial Showmanship Award
daughter Tara Tucker Hess are also active in the aviation community. 1992: The Bill Barber Award for Airshow Showmanship
Sean D. Tucker is presented by Oracle. With more than 420,000 customers and 1988: U.S. National Advanced Aerobatic Champion
deployments in more than 145 countries, Oracle offers a comprehensive and
fully integrated stack of cloud applications, platform services and engineered
systems. More at www.Oracle.com.
TAKING AUDIENCES SIGNATURE MANEUVERS
TO THE EDGES OF With decades of experience, constant training and the
custom-built Oracle Challenger III, Tucker is able to
THEIR SEATS AND perform aerobatic maneuvers that seem impossible:
LIMITS OF THEIR ALLEY OOP: Imagine an inside loop in which the
airplane canopy is always facing the interior of the circle.
IMAGINATIONS, Now, make it smaller and you have the Alley Oop –
it is the smallest in the industry.
Sean D. Tucker and Oracle Challenger III race
across the sky, captivating millions of airshow THE CENTRIFUGE: At speeds up to 230 miles per
fans each year. More than half of Tucker’s hour, Tucker dances Oracle Challenger III in eight to 10,
aerobatic maneuvers are unique making
controlled, nose-over-tail tumbles while withstanding at
Tucker’s performance an unforgettable, awe-
least negative seven g-forces.
inspiring experience.
For a thrilling 13 minutes Tucker expertly DOUBLE HAMMERHEAD: Beginning with the
performs one-of-a-kind and precision airplane in a vertical climb, then appearing to “sit” in
maneuvers with intriguing names such as the air with the nose up, Tucker then rudders Oracle
Centrifuge, Double Hammerhead, Alley Oop, Challenger III over not just once, but twice. This maneuver
Forward Flip, Harrier Pass and the Triple is often referred to as a “wing over.”
Ribbon Cut. Sometimes flying backwards
photo by
Dennis Biela
– straight down, tail first – other times FORWARD FLIP: As if doing a nose-over-tail cartwheel,
catapulting across the skies then descending Tucker maneuvers Oracle Challenger III into a forward flip.
THE SKY
in a controlled “tumble,” the Sky Dance
performance is among the best in the world.
THE HARRIER PASS: Tucker duplicates the awesome
The Sky Dance begins with a breathtaking power and capabilities demonstrated by the U.S. Marine
three-quarter loop with eight to 10 snap rolls Corps AV-8B Harrier. While using only 70% of his available
DANCE
in which Tucker reaches speeds up to 280 miles horsepower, Tucker brings the Oracle Challenger III to a
per hour at more than 400 degrees per second perfect hover at show center with the wings generating
and six positive g-forces. Then, after every virtually zero lift and the aircraft appearing to stand on its
boundary of flight seems to have been pushed, tail. He rapidly uses all of the flight controls to maintain
Tucker and the Oracle Challenger III perform this precision balancing act.
the Triple Ribbon Cut just 20 feet above the
ground with ribbon poles placed a mere 750 TRIPLE RIBBON CUT: With audience help, Tucker
“Flying in the Oracle Challenger III
feet apart. Tucker is the world’s only pilot to races Oracle Challenger III through three sets of ribbons
perform the Triple Ribbon Cut. has this magical ability to get us to
ponder what’s possible. With the Sky just 20 feet off the ground. Audience members gleefully
Dance performance, I hope to inspire volunteer to hold the poles 75 feet apart across the
others to challenge what they think show runway. Tucker decelerates to 210 miles per hour,
is possible in their own lives.” just 20 feet above the runway and rolls the airplane into
right knife-edge flight cutting the first ribbon. Then, he
– Sean D. Tucker
immediately maneuvers 180 degrees left, knife-edge
and cuts the second ribbon. Finally, Tucker inverts the
airplane and cuts the third ribbon. It is truly a unique
experience to behold.
The custom-built airplane utilizes the latest
technology from aerobatics, drag racing and sailing,
along with five different aircraft so Tucker can turn
aerobatic flying into art.
• A revolutionary set of wings on the Oracle Challenger
“I LIKE TO THINK THAT ORACLE CHALLENGER III: III features eight ailerons instead of four, allowing
SOARING
Tucker to make precise aerobatic movements.
I BRING THE FANS’ • It features a 400+ horsepower, custom-built
Lycoming AEIO-540 engine that turns a composite
DREAMS OF FLYING
WITH THE Hartzell three-blade propeller.
• The engine features aluminum, drag racing pistons,
INTO THE PLACE WITH
SKYDANCE
a cold-air induction system and state-of-the art fuel
injection. It is inspected and rebuilt after roughly 400
hours of flying to maintain peak engine performance.
ME. AND, THERE’S
DREAM
• ‘The Claw’ propeller is the only certified advanced
composite propeller available for aerobatic use. It
NOWHERE I’D RATHER is made of a unique combination of carbon fiber
BE THAN IN THE MACHINE and Kevlar™, with an electroformed nickel leading
edge erosion shield. It is co-molded on an integral
stainless steel shank that accommodates bolt-on
COCKPIT.” – SEAN D. TUCKER counterweights needed for aerobatic performances.
• It is a tube and fabric airplane, consisting of a steel
frame and special fabric skin from the cockpit back to
Those dreams come true in one legendary the tail. The vertical fin is covered in carbon graphite.
machine. Sean D. Tucker’s striking red and
• The rudder alone has more than five square feet of
white Oracle Challenger III is one of the most
surface area.
recognizable aerobatic airplanes in the sky. photo by Mike Killian
It is a high-performance biplane, capable of • The aircraft weighs just over 1,200 pounds and can
precision maneuvers, boldly commanding reach a top speed of 300 miles per hour.
respect as it takes to the sky. In the Oracle • The cockpit features a custom instrument layout
Challenger III, Tucker pulls up to nine heart- including: an airspeed indicator, altimeter, two-way
charging positive g-forces and thrills millions radio, Electronics International MVP-50 engine
of fans each year. analyzer and systems monitor, and a moving map
GPS for ferrying the aircraft.
• A custom Oregon Aero seat provides added comfort.
• The Oracle Challenger III undergoes regular
inspection by Airframe & Powerplant (A&P)
/ Inspection Authorization and A&P certified
specialists who travel with the airplane as part of
Team Oracle.
• Before each air show season, the Oracle Challenger
III is disassembled, inspected and rebuilt according
to exact specifications. It’s a detailed process that
takes months.
THE BOB
HOOVER
ACADEMY
BobHooverAcademy.org
photo by
Marc Howard /TGO Photography
“A TRULY REVOLUTIONARY fly solo. Students become
accountable to themselves and
their teammates, challenging
MODEL FOR EDUCATION.”
themselves in order to
participate in an endeavor
that can have a measureable
impact on their future.
– CHRIS DEVERS Principal of Alternative Education, Monterey County Office of Education
Ultimately, students develop
the skills and confidence to
From the pioneers who first took flight to the 16 year-old who just yesterday launch themselves out of their
soloed her Cessna 152, the mystique, the science and the adventure of piloting current orbit towards a course
an airplane is one of the most satisfying, confidence-building and unique as a dynamic and contributing photo by
Marc Howard /
TGO Photography
achievements life has to offer. This transformative premise is the basis for the member of society.
Bob Hoover Academy. Sean D. Tucker, co-founder and chairman of the Bob Hoover
Academy, ensures the spirit and the legacy of aviation and aerospace icon R.A. HELPING KIDS SUCCEED
“Bob” Hoover, lives on through the Academy and the many lives it touches. The Bob Hoover Academy works. Graduates have gone on to enroll in collegiate
level aviation mechanics programs, to pursue internships, to begin college, to enlist
The Bob Hoover Academy, a 501(c)(3), co-founded with Tucker’s son Eric Tucker, to serve in the armed forces, to secure gainful employment and most importantly,
creates opportunities that inspire at-risk and underserved teens to get engaged in to become leaders within their communities.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) education and to
take flight in aviation. It is the first private public partnership with a school district
in state of California using flight and aviation to inspire and enable kids to redefine
themselves to become viable productive citizens.
Each student earns admission into the flight training program by exceling in ground
training curriculum. From there, the ultimate transformative experience is to
leave the instructor on the ground, take an airplane into their own hands and
EAA
YOUNG
EAGLES
YoungEagles.org
photo by Emmanuel Canaan
SINCE 1992, THE WORLD’S LARGEST VOLUNTEER AIR FORCE OF 50,000 PILOTS
HAS FREELY GIVEN OF THEIR TIME FOR A SINGULAR PURPOSE:
TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION THROUGH AVIATION.
Each year, these dedicated pilots and countless volunteer crew gather at local airports TO THE NEXT LEVEL: SCHOLARSHIPS AND MORE
to provide a meaningful flight experience in a general aviation aircraft for young
people. This movement, created by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), is In addition to being a meaningful flight experience, a teaching opportunity and
called EAA Young Eagles. encouraging kids to challenge their boundaries, Young Eagles includes aviation
scholarship possibilities to prestigious educational institutions such as the University
The program took flight during the 1992 EAA Fly-In Convention in Oshkosh, Wis. EAA of North Dakota, EAA Air Academy and other accredited aeronautical colleges and
President Tom Poberezny and Academy Award winning Actor and Pilot Cliff Robertson universities.
flew the first Young Eagles on July 31, 1992. Robertson served as the program’s
founding chairman. Other past chairmen include Gen. Chuck Yeager, Actor Harrison Once a Young Eagle has taken his or her first flight, he or she is invited to become
Ford, US Airways flight crew Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles. In 2013, Sean an EAA Student Member. Membership includes access to free flight training, online
D. Tucker was entrusted with the honor of being chairman. resources such as the Sporty’s Learn to Fly course, free student membership to the
Academy of Model Aeronautics, free access to more than 300 science and technology
museums, plus discounts on clothing, books and more.
2 MILLION KIDS AND COUNTING!
The initial goal of the program was to fly one million children prior to the 100th
anniversary of flight celebration (Dec. 17, 2003). That goal was achieved on November
13, 2003. As of March 5, 2018, an impressive 2,085,116 kids between the ages of 8 and
17 years, have flown as Young Eagles. The program introduces approximately 80,000
kids to aviation each year.
TO SHARE THE PASSION FOR AVIATION
with media audiences, Tucker and his team welcome credentialed media for a
flight with his crew. Availability is dependent upon Tucker, his team and the air
show schedule. Flights are offered in select airplanes at the discretion of the
Team Oracle ground crew.
OPTION ONE: PHOTO FLIGHT OF THE ORACLE CHALLENGER III
While it takes the expertise, passion and skill of a remarkable aviator to perform
precision maneuvers, it takes the mechanics, engineering and the finesse of the
Oracle Challenger III to make magic in the sky.
Take advantage of this opportunity to fly alongside this legendary aircraft in the
Seneca photo airplane for photos and/or video of Tucker flying this beautiful one-
of-a-kind, extreme performance machine over scenic landmarks.
OPTION TWO: YOUNG EAGLE FLIGHT:
WITNESS THE MAGIC OF A CHILD’S FIRST FLIGHT
As chairman of EAA Young Eagles, Tucker flies a lucky, local child at each air
show. It is an excellent opportunity to capture the magic of a child experiencing
his or her first flight. Media are welcome to cover the take-off and return of this
monumental moment, or join the flight from the Seneca photo airplane and fly
photo by John Minchillo alongside.
OPTION THREE: SOAR WITH SEAN
SOAR WITH SEAN D. TUCKER
One seat is available for a reporter to experience aerobatic flight with Tucker in
the aerobatic Oracle Extra 300 L. The flight is recorded via an onboard camera.
MEDIA FLIGHT
Footage will be made available following the flight. The Seneca photo airplane is
available for air-to-airs of this flight as well.
What to Bring
OPPORTUNITIES
• Cameras with straps to ensure it remains with
the videographer/photographer in flight
• A/V line cord
• A flash/thumb drive of 64 MB or higher is recommended
CREDENTIALED MEDIA ONLY | HURRY – FLIGHTS ARE LIMITED! To schedule a flight, contact Suzanne Herrick in advance
at 612-247-3079 or suzanne@fedorukinc.com.
Follow Sean D. Tucker at:
facebook.com/SeanDTucker instagram.com/TeamOracle
twitter.com/SeanDTucker & twitter.com/TeamOracle
The Team Oracle Airplane Channel on YouTubeYou can also read
